Poor defending and missed chances prove costly for Ports

Moyola forward Jason Paul opened the scoring in the third minute when his shot was deflected past Joel Madison. At the other end, James Peden had a good effort saved by Farniok.

Paul was on target again on the half hour mark to put the home side 2-0 in front.

Portstewart continued to battle and had a penatly claim dismissed.

Doherty was making some good runs forward for the Ports, he forced Farniok into a good save, but minutes later his persistance paid off when he grabbed the opener for the visitors. Moyola grabbed a third just before the break when Deane nodded home.

Portstewart battled in the second half, McGowan hit home thanks to a McClements’ pass. At the other end Pattison’s men restored their two goal lead when Walls grabbed Moyola’s fourth.

The final goal of the game came in time added on when David Paul grabbed Moyola’s fifth to take the points.

Speaking after the tie, Portstewart boss Gary Taylor said that poor defending and missed chances were to blame for the defeat.

“We gifted them an early goal, so we were fighting to get back into the game from the very start. In saying that all of their goals could have been prevented, it wasn’t that they were a better team than us, so we will be working on things in training this week to ensure we are sharper defensively.”